A massive defensive tackle appears available for Colorado’s taking. Mike Pennel, the 6-foot-5, 355-pounder from Aurora’s Grandview High and Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College, has been suspended indefinitely at Arizona State.

Colorado offered him a scholarship before Dan Hawkins’ last season in 2010. Pennel wound up at JC where in two years he compiled 71 tackles, including 23 for loss and seven sacks. He was ranked the No. 6 JC defensive tackle in the country when he signed with ASU.

First-year ASU coach Todd Graham announced after Tuesday’s practice that he had suspended Pennel who never became the inside force expected. The suspension was for “not meeting team standards” and it may have started early in the year.

Remember the name Justin Wilcox. He’s one of the hottest assistants in the country. How hot? He has given Washington’s defense a pulse.

Under previous coordinator, Nick Holt, the Huskies basically stood out there practicing tai-chi. Not even in Herb Willingham’s momentous 0-12 season in 2008 did they get humiliated like in the Alamo Bowl. Baylor rolled up 777 yards, including 482 yards rushing and eight rushing touchdowns, in a 67-56 loss to Baylor.

Kensler joined The Denver Post in 1989 and has covered a variety of beats, including Colorado, Colorado State, golf, Olympics and the Denver Broncos. His brush with greatness: losing in a two-on-two pickup basketball game at Ohio State against two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin.

Terry Frei graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in the Denver area and has degrees in history and journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He worked for the Rocky Mountain News while attending CU and joined the Post staff after graduation. He has also worked at the Oregonian in Portland, Ore., and The Sporting News. His seventh book, March 1939: Before the Madness, was issued in February 2014.